When Should an Older Adult See a Geriatrician?

There is no need to see a geriatrician simply because you have reached a particular birthday. The more useful question is whether your health needs would benefit from specialist review.

A geriatrician focuses on the health of older adults, particularly when medical conditions, medications, memory, mobility and daily function interact. Your GP can help decide whether this type of assessment would add to your current care.

Start With What Has Changed

Rather than trying to decide which specialist you need, begin by describing the changes you have noticed.

Are everyday activities becoming harder? Have there been repeated falls? Are you concerned about memory, medication effects or a combination of problems?

Specific examples can help your GP assess the situation and decide whether investigations, treatment or referral are appropriate.

Reasons to Discuss a Geriatrician Referral

Memory Changes Are Affecting Everyday Life

Repeatedly forgetting medications, becoming lost in familiar places or struggling with previously manageable tasks are reasons to seek medical advice.

Learn more about when to consider a cognitive assessment.

Falls or Unsteadiness Are Becoming a Concern

A fall, repeated stumbles or increasing difficulty walking may warrant a review. Specialist input can be helpful when several health factors could be contributing.

Read about falls assessment and prevention for older adults.

Managing at Home Is Becoming More Difficult

Increasing difficulty with meals, personal care, shopping or medications may indicate a need to review both health and support arrangements.

Our guide to supporting independence after 65 explains what to discuss.

Mood Concerns Overlap With Other Health Problems

Low mood or anxiety occurring alongside memory changes, frailty or complex medical needs may benefit from a broader assessment.

Learn more about depression and anxiety in older adults.

Medical Conditions and Medications Are Becoming Difficult to Coordinate

A GP may suggest geriatrician review when several conditions interact, medication-related problems are suspected or there is uncertainty about the best approach to ongoing care.

This is not determined by the number of diagnoses or medicines alone. The important consideration is how they affect the person’s health and function.

Should You See Your GP or a Geriatrician First?

For non-urgent concerns, your GP is usually the starting point. They can assess symptoms, review your medical history, arrange initial investigations and discuss suitable referral options.

A geriatrician does not replace your GP. Specialist assessment is intended to complement the ongoing care you already receive.

Some concerns can be managed through general practice or another service without a geriatrician referral.

How to Prepare for the GP Discussion

Write down your main concerns, when they started and a few examples of their effect on daily life. Include recent falls, hospital visits, changes in medications or difficulties managing at home.

You might ask:

• Would specialist geriatric assessment be helpful in my situation?
• Are there investigations or treatments we should consider first?
• What information should accompany a referral?

A family member or carer may attend with your agreement.

Do Not Wait for a Routine Referral in an Emergency

A sudden change in thinking or behaviour may indicate an acute medical problem. New, sudden confusion requires emergency assessment rather than waiting for a specialist appointment. Call 000 or attend an emergency department.

Seeing Dr Amit Gupta in Manly

Dr Amit Gupta consults at South Steyne Medical Centre and accepts referrals from GPs within the practice and from external GPs.

Visit our main page for information about Dr Amit Gupta, geriatrician in Manly, including his areas of practice, appointment preparation and referral enquiries.

To discuss whether a referral is appropriate, speak with your usual GP or book a GP appointment at South Steyne Medical Centre.

Already have a referral? Contact reception to enquire about an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to wait until I am 75?

No. Dr Gupta provides geriatric assessments for adults aged 65 and over where specialist review is appropriate. A GP 75+ health assessment is a separate service with its own eligibility requirements.

Do I need several health problems before a referral is worthwhile?

Not necessarily. One significant concern may justify specialist input, while several stable conditions may continue to be managed by your GP. The decision depends on your circumstances.